Roque to Vice Ganda: ‘You Keep Kicking a Man on the Ground’
Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque openly criticized comedian-host Vice Ganda for mocking former President Rodrigo Duterte during a recent concert. He called the onstage joke a “merciless” act aimed at an elderly man already in a vulnerable position.
“No Mercy”: Roque’s Strong Reprimand
During a media appearance Monday, Roque condemned Vice Ganda’s joke, labeling it “walang awa”—literally, “merciless.” He said:
“You know, as Filipinos, when someone is already down, you don’t kick them. Vice Ganda—Tatay Digong is knocked down, imprisoned, 80 years old, likely dying in jail, and yet you continue to kick.”
He continued:
“What are you gaining from that? If you can’t say something nice, you should remain silent. Do you really want to push a man who’s already imprisoned and elderly? The Filipino people aren’t like that.”
A Warning: “What Goes Around Comes Around”
Roque didn’t stop at criticism—he warned Vice Ganda about karma, urging compassion even for a political prisoner. He concluded:
“Pray that Tatay Digong and his supporters remain humbled. Remember: the world is round. And when it comes back to you, may his supporters remember they have hearts—someone down should not be kicked further.”
What Sparked the Backlash?
The remarks were prompted by a segment of Vice Ganda’s recent Superdivas: The Concert with Regine Velasquez, where the comedian joked:
“Nothing beats a jet ski holiday—Manila to West Philippine Sea! Unlimited water bombing by Chinese vessels and a free trip to The Hague by ICC! Promo for DDS only—Pinklawans and BBMs prohibited. ‘Wag niyo akong subukan mga put*ng ina niyo!”
This skit directly referenced Duterte’s notorious “jet ski promise” and his current detention by the International Criminal Court. It molded satire out of a political statement, but Roque and others deemed it an attack on an elderly, imprisoned public figure.
Reactions: Backlash & Support
The jokes drew mixed reviews. Many in the audience and netizens laughed, citing Vice’s trademark biting humor. Others, particularly loyalists of Duterte, saw it as disrespectful.
Now, Roque’s condemnation adds more fuel to the fire. Supporters of Duterte have rallied online, while critics argue that satire is a valid form of commentary in a free society.
Who Is Harry Roque?
A veteran lawyer and politician, Roque served as Duterte’s presidential spokesperson from 2017 to 2018 and again from 2020 to 2021. A former law professor and human rights advocate, he has since become a polarizing figure—especially after Duterte’s ICC arrest—amid controversies including allegations tied to POGOs and human trafficking. He is currently considered a fugitive, having left the Philippines and filed for asylum abroad.Wikipedia
Historical Echoes: Roque vs. Vice
This is not the first time Roque and Vice Ganda have locked horns. In January 2021, Vice tweeted a satirical comparison, prompting Roque to respond by emphasizing—public policy and medical matters are for experts, not comedians. Shortly after, Vice retorted on “It’s Showtime”: “I’m a comedian. You’re the clown.”Philstar LifeInquirer Entertainment
Balancing Satire with Sensitivity
This recent clash showcases the delicate interplay between political satire and respect for human dignity. While satire can hold power to account, public figures and audiences must navigate expectations around tone, intent, and ethics.
Roque’s remarks highlight a view that certain boundaries—especially regarding individuals who are unwell or detained—ought to be respected, regardless of their past actions or public standing.
Public Discourse: A Mirror for Society
The incident raises broader questions:
How should comedians approach political humor when it involves vulnerable individuals?
What responsibility do hosts, media outlets, and platforms have in shaping discourse respectfully?
Where should the line be drawn between satire and exploitation?
Dialogue between artists and political figures, while often contentious, reflects the media’s role in shaping national dialogue. It also prompts an examination of how power, empathy, and accountability interact in the cultural sphere.
Final Thoughts
Harry Roque’s strong reaction to Vice Ganda’s “jet ski” joke isn’t just about old politics—it’s a clash between humor and compassion. Vice’s satire is undeniably bold, but Roque’s critique invites reflection on the ethics of comedy in fraught political contexts.
If we believe Filipino discourse should be both free and humane, then both sides—satirists and their targets—must consider not just the punchline, but who they’re pointing it at.
Info Box: Key References
Source & Author
Summary
Publiko News
Original published article, August 11, 2025
LionHearTV
Coverage of Vice’s “jet ski” joke and hashtags
Wikipedia – Harry Roque
Background on Roque’s career and controversies
Inquirer & PEP.ph
Previous exchanges between Roque and Vice (2021)
Let me know if you’d like the tone adjusted—friendlier, more formal—or if you’d prefer a Tagalog version next!
News
Wedding Cake ni Carla Abellana, Tinutukso ng Meme ni Janus del Prado at Netizens! Paano Tinugon ng Bagong Kasal ang Hugis ‘Kabaong’ na Isyu at Bakit Sinasabing ‘Para Sa Amin, Maganda Siya’—Alamin ang Lahat ng Dramatikong Reaksyon sa Social Media
Walang makakapigil sa kasiyahan ng bagong kasal na si Carla Abellana kasama ang kanyang high school sweetheart na si Dr. Reginald Santos. Ngunit kamakailan lamang, ang simpleng detalye ng kanilang kasal—ang wedding cake—ay naging sentro ng online drama at tawanan….
Babala sa 2026: Alleged Masamang Plano at Political Intrigue sa Kongreso! Paano Sinusubukang Patalsikin ang House Speaker at Bakit Pinangangambahan ng Publiko ang Impeachment ng VP Sarah Duterte—Alamin ang Buong Detalye ng Matinding Labanan sa Likod ng Kulungan at Opisina ng Gobyerno
Ngayong bagong taon ng 2026, nagkakaroon na naman ng matinding ingay sa politika sa Pilipinas. Maraming netizens at political observers ang nag-aalala matapos lumabas ang mga ulat tungkol sa umano’y masamang plano para sa ilang pangunahing opisyal ng gobyerno. Isa…
BTS Bumabalik sa 2026! PHILIPPINES Kasama sa Listahan ng World Tour—Magkakaroon ng Eksklusibong Concert sa Manila! Alamin Kung Paano Naghanda ang ARMY Para sa Pinakahihintay na Comeback ng K-pop Supergroup sa Bagong Taon at Bakit Excited ang Bawat Pinoy Fan!”
Pilipinas, maghanda na! Ang pinakamalaking K-pop phenomenon sa mundo, ang BTS, ay opisyal nang nagbigay ng pahiwatig ng kanilang comeback ngayong 2026, at kasama sa kanilang world tour ang ating bansa. Isang pangyayaring nagpasabog sa social media at nagpaiyak sa…
Serena Dalrymple: Mula sa Sikat na Commercial at Mga Premyadong Pelikula Hanggang sa Buhay na Binaraha ng Pagkawala ng Mga Magulang Nang Maaga, At Pag-aalaga sa Kanyang Mga Kapatid—Ngunit Ang Tunay na Nakatulong Sa Kanya Upang Malampasan ang Lahat ng Pagsubok, Magtagumpay, at Matagpuan ang Kaligayahan Bilang Isang Ina at Asawa ay May Lihim na Hindi Pa Alam ng Nakararami… Tuklasin sa Link sa Comments…
Si Serena Dalrymple ay isang pangalan na agad nagpapaalala sa mga Pilipino ng dekada 90 at maagang 2000s – isang batang artista na sumikat dahil sa kanyang mga makukulay na commercial at mga pelikulang pinapurihan ng mga kritiko. Ngunit sa…
Chris Aquino Ginulat ang Lahat Nang Magbahagi ng Nakakabigla at Nakakalungkot na Update Tungkol sa Kalagayan ng Kanyang Anak Bimbe—Paano Na Nga Ba ang Kanilang Mag-iina? Alamin ang Buong Detalye na Nagpaiyak at Nagpagulantang sa Buong Publiko!
Muling nabigla ang publiko nang magbahagi ng isang emosyonal at nakakaantig na post sa Instagram si Chris Aquino noong December 29, 2025. Sa kabila ng mga masasayang larawan na madalas niyang ibahagi sa social media, ngayon ay ibang-iba ang tono….
Three Generations of Exorcists Lived in Poverty: In My Generation, I Use SCIENCE to Catch Ghosts
My family has been in the spiritual cleansing business for three generations. My grandfather was a celestial master, living a pure life. After exorcising spirits, he only accepted two sweet potatoes as a token of gratitude.By the end of his…
End of content
No more pages to load
